Did you know?  Check our Rare Books Page

Plagiarism, Cryptomnesia, or Artistic License?

By Kristin Masters. May 31, 2013. 1:38 PM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Literature

This week Rudyard Kipling--or rather his letter--made the news. It seems that Kipling may have borrowed rather generously from other sources when he wrote parts of his classic The Jungle Book. He makes the confession in a letter to an unknown correspondent, who had apparently inquired about "The Law of the Jungle."

     
Read more...


Celebrating Sixty Years of Everest Adventures

By Kristin Masters. May 29, 2013. 4:20 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Biographies, Book News

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's arrival at the summit of Mount Everest. Both Hillary and Norgay were true adventurers, and their accomplishments have inspired generations.  

     
Read more...


Calling Young Bookish Writers and Aspiring Marketers!

By Kristin Masters. May 26, 2013. 4:35 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book News

We're excited to announce an awesome opportunity for college students: Books Tell You Why is currently accepting applications for two internship positions. Interns will get hands-on experience with multiple aspects of online marketing, from copywriting to tracking ROI.

     
Read more...


Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Rare Book Lover

Next month in the US, we'll celebrate dads and all they do for us. Though Fathers Day isn't until June 16, many of us are already looking for the perfect Father's Day gift. If your dad is a lover of rare books, these items may be just the ticket.

     
Read more...


How To Identify Simon & Schuster First Editions in 2019

By Kristin Masters. May 21, 2013. 11:05 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

One of the four largest English-language publishing houses, Simon & Schuster now publishes over 2,000 titles a year under 35 different imprints. The firm started by publishing crossword puzzle books and grew to publish some of the world's most recognized authors.

     
Read more...


Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 2)

Children's Book Week is the perfect time to explore the lives of the authors, illustrators, and publishers who've played a key role in the history of children's literature. In Part 1, we looked at contributors like Noah Webster, Samuel Goodwin, and even John Locke. Today, discover more prominent figures in children's literature...

     
Read more...


Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 1)

By Kristin Masters. May 17, 2013. 12:54 AM.

Topics: Children's Books, Book History, Book News

This year, May 13-19 is Children's Book Week. The event is a celebration of children's literature and a reminder that books for children play a vital role in education and literacy. But children's books are a relatively new addition to the world of literature. Here's a look at some of the people who contributed to the rich tradition of children's books and literature that exists today. 

     
Read more...


Celebrate Children's Book Week!

By Kristin Masters. May 15, 2013. 1:58 PM.

Topics: Children's Books, Awarded Books, Book News

This week we celebrate the life-changing power of books and literacy with Children's Book Week. Since 1916, Children's Book Week has taken various forms, but its mission has stayed the same: to promote excellence in children's books.

     
Read more...


Exploring the Exceptional Work of Claudia Cohen

By Kristin Masters. May 11, 2013. 1:07 PM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Making

Master paper artist Claudia Cohen has turned Seattle's Paper Hammer into a giant paper sample book. The informal exhibition Pleasure of Pattern draws from Cohen's extensive personal collection of paper from all over the world. If you'll be in the area, it's most certainly a must-see! For the rest of us, you can peruse some of the items via Paper Hammer's online gallery.

     
Read more...


F Scott Fitzgerald through the Eyes of Fellow Authors

Today "The Great Gatsby" premiers in the United States. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, the movie has been long awaited in circles of moviegoers and readers alike. The film brings a classic novel to a new audience, giving us a fresh perspective on the book that's often considered Fitzgerald's magnum opus. Fitzgerald, a member of "the Lost Generation" and a contemporary of legendary authors, thinkers, and artists like Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Pablo Picasso, held a peculiar place among his peers. He continues to captivate us--sometimes in surprising ways.

     
Read more...


Mother's Day Gift Ideas Perfect for Rare Book Lovers

By Kristin Masters. May 6, 2013. 2:44 PM.

Topics: Poetry, Rare Books, Rare Book Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner in the US, and it's time to pick out the perfect gift for moms and grandmothers. Consider these Mothers Day gift ideas if your mom loves special and rare books.

     
Read more...


Celebrate Mexico's History with Rare Books

By Kristin Masters. May 5, 2013. 2:38 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, History, Book News

Today people in the United States and parts of Mexico celebrate Cinco de Mayo ("fifth of May"), which often seems synonymous with margaritas and other trappings of Mexican revelry. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French army at the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862.

     
Read more...


Charles Van Sandwyk: An Illustrated Tribute

By Kristin Masters. May 3, 2013. 1:35 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Fine Press, Children's Books

"A book's not shy to face the world - with open heart - like sails unfurled."

Born in Johannesburg in 1966 and raised in Vancouver, Charles van Sandwyk began selling his drawings and watercolors in the early 1980's. In 1986, he won the Alcan Award for his limited edition book A Selection of Neighbourly Birds. The book, illustrated with etchings printed on an antique intaglio press, was his first venture into the world of handmade books. 

     
Read more...


  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

About this blog

How can I identify a first edition? Where do I learn about caring for books? How should I start collecting? Hear from librarians about amazing collections, learn about historic bindings or printing techniques, get to know other collectors. Whether you are just starting or looking for expert advice, chances are, you'll find something of interest on blogis librorum.

Get blog notifications per email:

Download the James Bond Dossier

Recent Posts

Book Glossary
Get your free Guide to Book Care

Blog Archive

> see older posts
A Guide to Historic Libraries Part I